The White House

The White House gallery sits just outside Bury Saint Edmunds, a proper art space housed in a building that's every bit as interesting as what hangs on its walls. It's the kind of place that rewards a detour if you're into contemporary work - local and touring exhibitions that actually make you think rather than just scroll past on Instagram.

The space itself has character. You'll spend a good hour or so here depending on what's on, wandering between rooms and getting a genuine sense of the East Anglian art scene. It's not massive, which means you won't be exhausted by the time you leave, but it's substantial enough that it doesn't feel like a five-minute tick-box. Families with older kids who can appreciate art will get something from it; younger children might lose interest quickly, so plan accordingly.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Apple Mount Retreat is just two miles away, or you've got Bright Meadow and Lake View Lodges within easy striking distance - this fits nicely into an afternoon. Pair it with a walk around Bury Saint Edmunds town centre or a visit to one of the local pubs, and you've got a solid half-day sorted. The gallery's free to visit, which is always a bonus when you're weighing up what to do next. Worth checking their website before you go for current exhibitions and opening times, though - the programming changes seasonally and you'll want to know what's actually on.